Meacher praises organic farming

The government is considering another substantial increase in money for organic farming after being presented with "comprehensive" evidence that it supports far more wildlife than conventional farming.

Michael Meacher, environment minister, yesterday said there was a question over funding - even though state aid in England is to double from £11.5m a year to £23m by 2004 - and hinted that further sums would be announced in the summer.

He commended evidence from research over the past 13 years, compiled by organic flag-bearers, the Soil Association, which concluded that farms using their methods grew five times more wild plants and 57 extra species than other farms; had up to 44% more birds, including twice as many breeding skylarks; and 1.6 times more insects and invertebrates, which provide food for birds.

The material was drawn from 23 research projects, mainly in southern lowlands, funded from sources including the government. Campaigners for organic farming presented the material after Elliot Morley, minister for the countryside, urged them to provide concrete, rather than anecdotal, evidence of benefits.

The results, and ministers' reactions, were a boost for campaigners after rows between scientists over whether organic food is safer or better for people than conventionally grown crops and livestock.

Mr Meacher said the association's report set out evidence "comprehensively, forcibly and effectively", and he gave strong hints of extra funds.

Tony Blair has set a target of 9% of farmland to be using organic methods by 2006, three times present levels, but many MPs do not think this is enough.

Mr Meacher was careful not to criticise Mr Blair but said: "This is an acutely important issue the government must continue to review, and will. There is no question that organic farming is good for biodiversity, good for the natural countryside, good for the whole web of life."

He delighted the organic lobby further by noting: "There is no denying there are some aspects of intensive agriculture which have had a devastating impact in and around our fields."

The government was still considering measures to limit the use of pesticides, despite its shelving of plans for a pesticides tax due to the parlous state of agriculture generally.

He recognised organic aid funds had temporarily run out because there was so many applications for conversion but said ministers had been taking account of the demand. It would be July before it was known whether the Treasury would agree to more money.

Lady Young, chairman of English Nature, the government's adviser on biodiversity, said most organic food was imported, which "does not help either British wildlife or British farmers."